Knowledge and practices among rural mothers in Haryana about childhood diarrhea.

Knowledge and practices of 108 rural mothers about childhood diarrhea, were determined by using pretested semi-structured interview schedules. The common causes of diarrhea reported were eruption of teeth (67.59%), eating of mud (51.85%), worm infestation (47.22%), change of climate (35.18%), poor personal hygiene (34.25%) and changes in diet (25.92%). Majority (83.33%) of mothers practiced food restriction during diarrhea. Seventy seven percent consulted their mother-in-laws in the first instance for treatment of diarrhea. The home remedies tried by mothers were, isabgol husk with curd (30.55%), ghee with tea (28.70%) water boiled with mint leaves (25.92%), local ghutti (22.22%) and unripe mango juice (16.66%). Majority of mothers (83.33%) believed that oral rehydration therapy alone, cannot treat diarrhea.